Mabbiez

6 hours ago, Mlkjunk11 said:

Hello:

 

I was doing research about bringing my SD on a cruise for the first time, and I came across this wealth of information.  Thanks to everyone for sharing their experiences and giving of their time to inform.

Everyone here is so helpful! Always feel free to ask questions. Most likely someone in this group has experience and can help answer. Also, Welcome!!!

33 minutes ago, Rudi-Cruiser said:

Thank your for your help. I was in Ind last November for a company meeting. Great airport and they were great with Bella get both me and her through security. Most of the time I need to get into the machine as I have both knees replaced. Because of that I need to get a TSA agent to take Bella's leash. She is very protective of me in a good way. She does not want to be separated from me in a strange place.

I was going to give my my contact information but could not send you a message.

It would nice to meet up with your brother and his partner during the short period of time I will be 

Also I remember when I got off the plane and going through customs the agent suggested to me to get a EU passport, and I told him I already had plans to do that.

If you have FB feel free to look me up. Lisa Blice is my name and I should probably be the only one, but if not my profile pic is of me and my dog.

5 hours ago, Rudi-Cruiser said:

I contacted a vet in Amsterdam and they told me because I don’t have a permanent Amsterdam address that I couldn’t get an EU passport for my SD. That would be great if your brother could help out with getting her one. I’m sure will be back in Europe.

That is strange because I am a US citizen and I had no problem getting one. I’ll get ahold of my brother’s partner to see what he says about it. I will ask him of vets to contact.

On 6/2/2023 at 8:28 AM, Rudi-Cruiser said:

Has anyone used pee pad for there SD to relive them self. I will bring one of the washable pads with me in her suite case. Yes I SD will have her own suite case and it is checked free. My SD is trained to use them. I check yesterday with Amazon for the Netherlands and they have Pee Pads in the size I want. I am going to order through them and have it delivered in advance to the hotel. I have a pet shop in Amsterdam that is going deliver the food I will order to the Hotel. I will just bring food for the first part of the trip tell I get on the ship.

I brought some with me just in case, but my dog did not use them. I would suggest taking the pee pad to the box provided on the ship since that is what your dog is trained to do. I also brought one in my backpack in the plane just in case of an emergency but she didn’t need it.

I read that you are getting your health certificate ready and such. I highly suggest getting a EU Pet Passport. I got mine in Amsterdam for my dog at DOA. If you look them up it says it’s an animal shelter but they also do pet care. If you have any questions please reach out to me! My brother also lives in Amsterdam and his partner is almost finished with veterinarian school, so if I don’t have the answer I can easily find out for you!

On 3/3/2022 at 12:19 PM, MississippiMom said:

I’m so glad I came across this thread.  I just emailed Special Needs for some pier wheelchair assistance for my parents.  Feeling a sigh of relief that someone will actually read the email and reply.

I've always gotten a reply within 48 hours (business days). They are very good at responding! I travel with my service dog and they confirm when they get a form and also reply to any questions I have had. 

On 3/31/2023 at 10:07 AM, FOPMan said:

Service animals in many countries are treated differently than regular pets. In sone cases, they are the same as regular animals. This includes both that is necessary to bring an animal into any specific country as well as what are the rights of access for service animals in that country, such as a service dog in a hotel or restaurant. Unfortunately, understanding the requirements where you want to go does require research.

 

If you have a question about a specific country or port, you could post it here and, if someone has experience, they may be wiling to share information.

 

There are sone countries that are comparatively easy. Some are hard. A big concern for the country is what, if any, health risks does an animal pose? What country are you starting travels in and where you have gone revetly alao a big factor. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I have traveled to The Netherlands, Spain, and Italy with my service dog. Spain and Italy were on a cruise. For the most part I had zero issues with bringing her anywhere. There were a few things that we didn't bother trying to take her in (like the Vatican museum). I was able to take her in to see the Coliseum and she went with me to see The Pope speak. Basically I was asked to show proof of a service dog, which they seemed happy with a letter that I had from my doctor saying that I require her. We also did get a EU Pet Passport to make it easier to between EU Countries. 

Also note that while some countries do not recognize service dogs some companies still go by American rules, such as Airbnb and Uber. Really the only person we had a problem with was in Amsterdam an Uber driver refused us but wouldn't cancel the trip (I think if we cancel they still get paid and/or we still get charged). He FINALLY cancelled and we contacted Uber. The rest of the time I have zero problems with Uber.

If anyone has questions about The Netherlands, Spain, and Italy I can try my best to answer! We are taking another cruise next year that leaves from Spain as well.  

1 hour ago, island lady said:

Hand wash laundry day.  

 

 

Oh my gosh, this will be some helpful on my next cruise! I have done a couple of TAs before where I had to hand wash a few things. I never thought of this!!! Thank you!!

They also work in the shower. I used it to hang my shower poof and a wash cloth. Also they can be good for wet bathing suits!

12 hours ago, rpclmc said:

I took a rolled up turf with holes in it for my cruise with Halo.  I had previously had my husband make a 4x4 box, filled it with dog litter and then the sod.  It seemed to take forever, but I trained Halo to use it.  He was not happy as he has an acre to use whenever he wanted, but I wouldn't let him out until after he relieved himself in the box.  

 

Every time he did, we made a party of it; he got amazing kudos and treats.  He didn't like it at all, but it was sure worth the relief for us that he knew how to use it.  And he did use it on the cruise.  But he would look off the balcony every morning to see if we were at a port and would hold it until we got to real grass on real land.  He is one smart boy.  

 

He is retiring in a few months and my next dog will be trained the same way.  

 

Linda and Halo

I may try to train her again doing this. I tried before but it was impossible with where I lived at the time. I have over a year and a half to work on it. Thanks!!

21 hours ago, Algebralovr said:

Celebrity and Royal have both allowed you to request sod be provided. 

Just don't expect it to actually be there.....

 

In 2018, Scooter went with me on Celebrity Solstice to Alaska.  I had requested sod.  

Now, Celebrity Solstice was the first of the S Class ship to get their lawn.  They made a big deal about having grass on the top deck, and their Lawn Club.  

 

So, I get on board, and I ask where the dog box is.  Took a bit of time, they finally found it.  I next asked about the sod.  My cruise originated in Seattle.  Not an issue to have a bit of sod. 

Couldn't find it, might still be with stores in the lower level, not sure, etc.

 

Well, it never did show up for Scooter's box.

However, we DID notice that there were 3 pieces of sod up on the lawn. First we noticed them rolled up and to the side.  Then we saw they were cut in to the lawn (which was in horrible condition, after the Trans-Pacific).  

MY OPINION is that my sod was intercepted by the Lawn Guy and he took it to replace a small amount of his lawn, rather than allowing my dog to use it in the box.  

 

Either way, they don't promise you'll get the sod if you request it.  You might, or might not. 

Yeah I kind of figured it will be something we will know for sure when we get on the ship. This cruise leaves from Barcelona which I feel probably even lowers my chances. We will see!

We just booked a cruise with Royal Caribbean yesterday. Today my brother contacted them about my service dog and they now are allowing us to request sod to be provided! I’m unsure if this is every ship but we are on Oasis. I just wanted to give everyone a heads up in case they are cruising on Royal!

Has anyone successfully brought on a grass patch or fake grass patch on board to place in the box? I have only cruised once with my service dog and she was less than thrilled with the mulch that was provided. She eventually decided it was okay but she still wasn't happy. It was an eastbound transatlantic and we didn't see land for 11 days, so once we did get to land she was very happy to have some real grass! 

My family and I are planning another transatlantic, but this time going westbound so we won't hit the landless days until the last part of the cruise at least.

Everyone will have some wrinkled clothing, so no one will judge! Wrinkle releaser can help. also I suggest looking up some youtube videos on how to pack things without getting wrinkles. 

Does anyone happen to know where the service dog relief area is on Royal Caribbean's Adventure of the Seas?

My family and I are planning a cruise, which will be Mila's second! I am hoping to get a cabin near the relief area. Previously it our cabin was on the opposite end of the ship and it was quite a walk to get her there. 

Thanks!

On 3/31/2022 at 6:05 AM, Caribbean Chris said:

It’s exciting that so many of our dogs are emerging from pandemic days, headed for the high seas again!
 

I am excited too! Mila and I are headed on her first cruise three weeks from tomorrow! We recently flew to Amsterdam and got her EU Pet Passport. It was her first time flying and she did amazing! I can't wait for the cruise!!

Mila is currently at the vet to get her health certificate! We are flying to Amsterdam in March ahead of our April cruise. I'm doing this to get her EU Pet passport so when we cruise in April we are all set. I am lucky that my brother lives in Amsterdam and his SO works for the vet who can issue the EU passport. Our cruise leaves from Florida and goes to Portugal, Spain, and Italy. I was freaking out about the EU passport until I saw some really cheap flights to Amsterdam! Now I will just be all set ahead of time! 

Thank you all for the great advice given on this forum!! I was so lost before finding everyone on here.

It's getting real now! I cannot wait to get back on a ship!!

I decided to fly to Amsterdam from the US in March ahead of our April cruise. I am so nervous but let me explain.

My brother lives in Amsterdam. His boyfriend works with the vet there who can issues Mila her EU passport. I checked flights and they are super cheap to fly in March so my dad and I decided lets just go. That way we have Mila's EU passport before the cruise and we will be smooth sailing (pun intended). 

Our cruise is a transatlantic leaving from US and stopping in Portugal (maybe), Spain, and ends in Italy. The rules are very confusing. Knowing she will be prepared ahead of time will be such a relief!

We are scheduled with our vet to get her health certificate and everything. 

Are there any tips before we fly? I am trying to decide when to stop giving her food and limiting her water. I have read about 10000 tips but I like to be extra prepared. 

53 minutes ago, cured said:

One of our puppies is a legitimate, trained, diabetic service dog for the young daughter of a family. The parents died it to rainbow colors to make it look like a unicorn, much like this one but the "mane" and "hooves" are pink.  I was just shaking my head wondering what the heck they were thinking.  It is hard enough for people to believe service dogs are serious workers, harder to take serious when the dog looks like a caricature.

One thing I have learned from others in the service dog community is that there is a legit reason to dye your dog (as long at it is pet safe dye). Service dogs are expensive. Their training is expensive. They are known to be targeted for theft. Someone is not going to want to steal a dog with unicorn colors because it will easily be identified. They are likely going to go after one that is just normal. I've considered dying Mila's tail pink (all of her gear is pink) but I'm also afraid people will judge based on that.  

6 minutes ago, A&L_Ont said:

 

 

 

Perhaps the people on this thread with service animals have some suggestions on how this could be accomplished. Is it possible and is it even worth trying to accomplish in their opinion?

 

So the one thing that could possibly prevent fake service dogs is if there was a real recognized certification. That being said, it's still something I have mixed feelings about. Many people who are disabled with a service dog do not have extra money to do things like pay for a registration fee as they are often on disability. I am someone who can still work with my disability so I would be able to pay. It's one of those things that I personally just do not have the answer for.

Here is a pic of Mila with her pretty vest on!

2 minutes ago, RobInMN said:

 

Please correct me if I am wrong (ryano too), but to point 2 and a little bit of 3. It is my understanding that the vest/harness that you see true service dogs wearing is part of the training. That when the vest/harness is on, they are "on duty" (it's a job, they are working), and when it is off, they are "off duty" and in "pet mode". Also, to the point of these ESA's being handed around to others in the party, it is also my understanding that you should never attempt to interact with someone's "on duty" service animal, only when they are "off duty".

Sure, many times the ESA people get vests too, but there's no training with it, it's just for show. 

 

Yes this is correct. When the vest is on my dog is working. My dog knows when we go to the dog park that is her time to be a crazy doggo and she runs and does zoomies all around. When she is working she needs to be focused on me to make sure she alerts me if needed, that's why if others distract her it can be bad. ESAs have no special training and in the US do not have public access rights. 

Also I meant to mention something about vests. There is no official place to buy service dog vests so it is easy for people to just get one for their dog. I have mixed feelings about this. I like that I am able to easily get a vest for my dog if needed but I hate that someone can get one for their pet. Many handlers get custom made ones. The one I use most is a custom one that is pink and purple. I am possibly having one made that has anchors on it for when we cruise. Handlers are allowed to have a little fun with having a service dog. 😄

There are a couple of things about service dogs that people do not realize. I will try to help clarify.

1. There is no registration in the US for service dogs. Any website you can get one off is 100% fake and a scam. Someone providing a registration either has a fake service dog or they are new to having a service dog and do not understand the laws. The requirements is that you have a disability that has a need and the dog must be trained to do tasks for that disability. 

2. Service dogs do not have to be with their owners 24/7, sometimes depending on the disability. Sometimes the handler needs a break, and sometimes the dog needs a break. This very much depends on the situation. This is why you may see a handler without their dog from time to time. It does not mean they are not a real service dog.

3. This one is hard do explain, but service dogs are still dogs. They sometimes will make a mistake, like possibly get spooked by something and bark. They need also need time to play and be a dog. That being said, if a dog is constantly barking or not under the handler's control then that is a problem. That dog may still be a service dog but not trained for public access. 

4. Any breed of dog can be a service dog. What matters is the dog's temperament and the ability to perform the tasks that the handler needs for their disability. For example: If the handler is needing help with mobility then a small dog would not be fit for a service dog. A handler who needs a diabetic alert dog could possibly use a smaller dog. When my dog was in training there was someone else who had a pit bull being trained to be a seizure alert dog. He was WONDERFUL with her. He was being trained as an in home service dog. I personally have a golden retriever. They are more accepted by the public as a service dog because of the misconception that it has to be a golden/lab/poodle. 

If you have any questions about service dogs I will be happy to help answer them! That being said, I only know the US Laws. Some countries have VERY different laws on service/guide animals. Also there is a very informative thread under Cruising with a Disability that has a ton of information about service dogs. It has been going on for many many years!

52 minutes ago, CaroleSS said:

You and your dog are welcome onboard. Hope you have a wonderful trip!

Thank you! This will be her first time on a cruise with me. I got her after my last cruise. She has made such a huge impact on my life! 

I have a trained service dog who will go on a cruise with me this spring. Feeding a dog from the table at a restaurant is a big no no. My dog is trained to sit under the table or behind my legs while at a table (sometimes it depends on the type of legs the table has). My dog would never ever bark or bite at someone. If a service dog bites at someone that is a sign they need to be washed/retired as a service dog. (That is, if it's a true service dog to begin with)

10 hours ago, homedepot124 said:

Yes, John Blair does a great Neil Diamond tribute show.  It is certainly the best show of the week on whatever ship they are on.   I think John and Katrina may still be on vacation.  We have cruised with them many times.  Most recently we cruised with them in Alaska on Serenade last summer.  They were suppose to get off Serenade and go on vacation in early November.   

I must find them and cruise with them sometime! I love Neil Diamond! He was my first concert when I was a kid.